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We are planning a visit to Yosemite after a stay in Lake Tahoe. We plan to rent a car at the Reno airport fpr the whole trip. Will the road in from that direction be OK as far as snow at that time of year? We would stay one or two nights around Yosemite and I have no idea of what's a good location. We aren't big hikers, but would be up for some short hikes. I read some previous forum posts about some towns that were an hour and a half away from the Valley, which I guess is where many of the main sights are. That is too far away for me, although the options in the Valley seem really expensive or pretty poor quality (read some bad reviews of Yosemite Lodge). We do not camp. Thanks for any advice!

Maybe check out El Portal, it's a 30-40 minute drive into the valley and quite a reasonable location. My husband and I have stayed at the Yosemite View Lodge a few times. It's a little tired perhaps but the beds are comfortable, the hot water is plentiful and the onsite store, restaurant and pizza place are convenient and good quality.

Also the location on the river is wonderful. I've only been there in June-July when the river is just chatting happily, in April I imagine it would be roaring, would love to see it then.

However, that said, for our next visit we are definitely staying in the valley itself. I think there are things you miss out on not being there, evening ranger talks and walks and so on. I believe some rooms at the lodge have been refurbished but I don't know which ones - I'm sure it was mentioned in an earlier thread - or someone else may be able to help.

At the end of April it's likely that the Tioga Pass Road (Hwy 120) will still be closed, so you will likely have to take the long way round to the valley, but I'll let someone more experienced make suggestions about that.

Although the valley options are poor value in terms of price vs quality, it is LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. I agree DNC can do better with some of their facilities but it is the same in many national parks where people will come regardless. I personally feel that first time visitors should spent their nights IN the valley. If you don't camp, it is either at the Lodge at the Falls, or one of the hard sided cabins with private baths at Curry Village. Ahwahnee if sky is the limit for budgets. I would rather camp or go to Housekeeping Camp then to stay at the tent cabins at Curry. Others may find it worthwhile to "commute" up to an hour to stay at El Portal.

Staying in the valley makes the expensive worth it. If you have driven in at night, and then get up early next morning, step out of your accomodations, you will gasp. You will hear "oh my God!" from others who have just done the same. Driving in later from outside the valley, along with all the other cars, is just not the same.

Sunset is also beautiful. Walking along a path at night with your flashlight is fun.

The night ranger programs and Lee Stetson's John Muir stories are wonderful. (Wed-Sat, 7 pm, $8, starts Msy 2) are not to be missed. I think John Muir must have been hyperactive; his stories are amazing.